PHOTOS: Meet Our ABC7 Allies in Action

ABC7 is always on the lookout for real people working in their communities to Build a Better Bay Area... the advocates, the underdogs, the agents of change. We call them our ABC7 Allies in Action, and we hope you are as inspired as we are by their stories!




DANCING OUT LOUD: Antoine Hunter is a professional dancer and the artistic director of the Urban Jazz Dance Company. He is also deaf. Hunter founded the Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival, an annual event that showcases the artistic contributions of deaf and hard of hearing people from all over the world. Watch his story here.

NOBLE RIDER: On the morning of May 29, Brianna Noble took her 17-hand horse "Dapper Dan" to a protest in Oakland against police brutality after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. With a "Black Lives Matter" sign slung over Dapper Dan's back, Brianna was not aware of the impact she was about to have as she trotted down Broadway.Watch her story here!

SWAN DREAMER: Being a black woman in a world dominated by white dancers is not easy. Aesha Ash travels the country with the message that talent shouldn't be constrained by race or socio-economic status. Her goal: to encourage young people to persevere and dare to dream. Watch her story here!

PASSION CREATORS: Three Bay Area filmmakers are following their passion and using it to tell stories about the human experience. Sephora Woldu, Nicolas Jara and Reid Davenport are local filmmakers who shared with us what drives them to tell stories. Check out their stories and find out how they are using their craft to tell important stories.

RAISING THE BARRE: San Francisco Ballet's youngest male principal dancer believes in spreading kindness when he's off stage. Benjamin Freemantle is also a self-taught barber and hits the streets around Civic Center to offer free haircuts to those who are down on their luck. Learn about his story here!

AMBASSADOR OF DANCE: As the Oakland Ballet Company celebrates its 48th season performing the Nutcracker, ABC7 News is recognizing a man, making a difference for his dancers and to the community around him. Read on to find out why Artistic Director Graham Lustig is this month's ABC7 Star!

GREYWATER RECYCLER: Sixteen-year-old Shreya Ramachandran isn't just TALKING about saving the planet, she's taking her own steps online, in the classroom and on the international stage. Her nonprofit Grey Water Project is the result of years of research and advocates repurposing lightly used water from the home to flush toilets and irrigate landscape. Watch her inspiring story here!

SEWING INSPIRATION: Fashion and footwear designer Devlin Carter's sneakers have blown up on Instagram. His unique style has gained the attention of thousands of people and celebrities all over the world. Inside Carter's Oakland show room, you'll find his designs. But, upstairs on the weekend, a fascinating operation is underway. He's teaching kids how to sew. Here's his story!



Lisa Gauthier has earned star status through her inspiring journey to reclaiming her education. Lisa is not your typical college student- she's also a third term East Palo Alto Mayor! Through her position as Government Affairs Manager at Study.com, she paved a new path for herself and others like her who lack the time or money to enroll in a traditional college setting. Gauthier recently graduated and received a Bachelor's degree from Thomas Edison State University while simultaneously serving as Mayor. Lisa proved her own motto as true: Education delayed is not education denied. Go here for her full story!

Go here to see more ABC7 Stars or here for more Allies in Action.